Memphis Visit

Kevin went on his guys golfing weekend, so I loaded up the boys and went to Memphis for a really fun and low-key visit.  We had great weather and spent pretty much all of our time enjoying the great outdoors with Bet Bet and Snacks!!  I know I've said this before, but my parents house and grounds could not be more perfect for 3 little active boys :)  My dad commented on how mature my boys are becoming and that they really aren't babies anymore.   I got some good time in with 2 of my cousins and we even snuck in an hour with Wilson's family right before we left ... they were out of town all weekend but got back a little early.  Thanks to everyone for taking time to hang out with us and for making sweet memories!!

 In the hot tub with Snacks

 Story time with Bet Bet

 We went downtown for a trolley ride 

 At the Big Backyard

 Back in the hot tub with my cousin Lauren's kiddos, Wilson and Stuart

 Sno-cone time

My cousin, Katherine, also came over with her husband Adrian and their precious boys, Boyd and Collins 

Blindsided

I feel that blindsided is the best word to use when describing what Kevin did to me last week ... out of nowhere he came home from work with an iPhone in his pocket for ME.  I was definitely shocked and am still trying to embrace it ... I guess it is time I need to enter the 21st century.  This is tough coming from the girl who usually tells people that if you really need to get in touch with me to call my house phone (yes, we really do have a house phone and I probably talk more on it than I do on my cell phone!!)  Do expect my text messages to become lengthier and possibly more frequent and I am excited to be able to take better pictures and now videos, but I'm not making any promises about Instagram yet ... give me some time - I've only had this huge thing for 8 days!!

 My dear old flip phone that I've had for over 2 years

 I do kind of miss you a little bit

 On Sunday, at the Harpeth Hall Fall Festival ... the boys kept calling it Daddy's birthday party :)

 Out to dinner at Sperry's with Jackson and Margie to celebrate the big 3-4

Walt, Luke, and Carter at the zoo

?!?!?!?!?!

I am beyond bewildered at what goes through my boys' brains at times ...

 As I was geting dressed yesterday, L&C decided to get all of their "stuff" and take a nap.  This picture really doesn't do it justice ... the sheer volume of items they brought to this area (not to mention, what they actually have) just makes me laugh.  They also really love to get a grocery sack and put "something special" in it ... it is always the most random collection :)

And this one here ... really?!?!?!  I found him asleep in his bed with a container of cereal ... I promise I don't starve the kid.  I heard him up early one morning last week, and I also heard the pantry open and close ... when I asked him later what he ate, he looked and me and sighed, "Marshmallows.  I tried really hard not to eat them, but something made me do it."  It never ceases to amaze me at how difficult the battle of the flesh really is ... even at such a young age!!

Trip to D.C.

Kevin and I jetted off to our nation's capital for a really fun few days ... thanks SOOOO much to Pops and Gigi for coming to stay and enjoy some time with our boys.  We had a very full agenda which left little time to rest and relax, but don't feel too sorry for us ... we slept past 9:00 both mornings which is such a luxury :)  

 We hit the national mall as soon as we got into the city on Thursday

 We took a tour of the White House on Friday

 And then a tour of the Capitol

 Dinner out with my cousin, Lizzy, and her boyfriend, Jay ... so yummy and so fun!!!

 Dinner out with my college roommate, Jodie, and her husband, Jeff.  They are due with their first (a girl) in less than 2 weeks!!

 And lunch with more college friends, Katie and Irby ... thanks to everyone for hanging out with us and making it such a great trip :)

Happy 5th Birthday Graham!!!

At 7 a.m. Graham snuck into our bed, spooned me, and whispered, "Mommy, it's my birthday today!"  I still remember so vividly that day 5 years ago when he came into our lives and made us a family and changed our world forever.  Some of my friends and I joke sometimes and say that there's nothing like motherhood to show you your own sin ... oh, how I thank you, Graham, for coming into my life and helping to point out my sinful/selfish nature and showing me how much I truly need Jesus every minute of every day.  I love your inquisitive nature and how many questions you have about Jesus and the Bible and all of our conversations about them.  I love how active you are and how you are always wanting to do something fun.  I love how good you are with numbers ... you definitely got your Daddy's math-minded brain!!  I love that you and your brothers have each other, and I pray that your bond will only continue to grow stronger.  I am so grateful to you for making me a mommy and for all the hugs, kisses, and cuddles you give me on a daily basis.  You are growing so fast and I am proud of the little boy you are becoming.  I love you with a love that knows no bounds!!!!

 Eating M&M pancakes on the red plate and telling me he's 5

 Playing with his new Beyblades

 Cupcakes at school

Not sure what the face is all about :)

Triple Birthday Party

We got to celebrate all 3 little Geshke boys' birthdays in ONE birthday party!!  The weather was great and everyone had a wonderful time.  We are so grateful to have such great friends in our same life stage  to go through this journey of life together.  It really was an awesome afternoon/evening, and I loved making my boys feel special because that's exactly what they are!!!!

 Singing Happy Birthday!!

 Big kids table

 Little kids table 

 Noble sent Luke flying :)

 Tom brought over a Monkey Joe's jump ... it was a huge hit!!

Could my boys be any dirtier?  I guess that means they had a good time :)

Gatlinburger and L&C's 3rd Birthday

We went to "Gatlinburger" (as Luke and Carter called it) for Labor Day weekend, which also happened to be L&C's 3rd birthday!!!!  The boys had a blast with all of the eye candy and real candy too!!  We took hikes, swam, went to Ober Gatlinburg, ate chocolate chip pancakes, went to the Shoot 'em up cinema, played lots of arcade games, and just had fun being together.  I'm sure we'll be making another trip again soon!!

 Opening b'day presents

 Our first hike was short-lived, since L&C both rubbed blisters on their feet ... I thought crocs would be the better choice in case their shoes got wet, but i was wrong

 A little putt-putt

 Some car rides

 Graham loved the swings

 Carter does not look impressed :)

 Our second hike was much more successful!!

We found LOTS of "swords" on the way

We played one arcade game where you spin the wheel to see how many tickets you win, and Luke hit the jackpot and landed on 1000 tickets :)

This is what they "bought" with their tickets :)